Public Declaration | Supporting the citizens of Pogradec in the protection of the Protected Landscape “Lake of Pogradec”

Public Declaration 

Supporting the citizens of Pogradec in the protection of the Protected Landscape “Lake of Pogradec”

We, the Organisation for the Protection and Preservation of  Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), unite with the citizens of Pogradec by supporting their petition “STOP ndërtimeve shumëkatëshe në breg të Liqenit të Ohrit” and the Open Letter sent to the Head of the Municipality of Pogradec, the Municipal Council, Ministry of the Environment and Albania’s Territorial Development Agency. 

Lake Pogradec, part of Lake Ohrid, known as the second oldest lake in the world and the oldest in Europe, carries several classifications that define it as an area of great importance for biodiversity, nature, culture, and the country’s heritage. At the national level, since 1999 this lake has been classified as a Protected Landscape (IUCN, category V). At the same time, at the international level, since 2019, the Albanian part of Lake Ohrid has received UNESCO World Heritage status, being included in the World Heritage List. Lake Pogradec is not simply a natural asset; it is part of the history, identity, and everyday life of the Pogradec community. Today, this asset faces a real threat from intensive developments along the lakeshore.

At this critical moment, projects with major impacts threaten one of the rarest ecosystems in Europe. The high-rise constructions planned within the framework of the “Pogradec Marina” project, including the 5-star hotel of the Gran Meliá chain, may damage natural habitats, biodiversity, the landscape, and the historical and cultural character of the area.

In a similar manner, the “Driloni Forests” project near the natural monument of the Drilon Springs shows the risk posed by intensive interventions near protected areas. The 1–12 storey buildings and one underground floor threaten the natural heritage and may create a precedent for the degradation of protected areas.

The protection of this area is a legal, historical, and moral responsibility toward the future generations. The lakeshore and natural spaces of Pogradec constitute a shared asset for the community and visitors, offering opportunities for sustainable tourism, recreation, and cultural or professional activities. The damage caused by these uncontrolled developments threatens nature, well-being, and the long-term economic perspective of the community.

We believe that the sustainable development of Pogradec cannot be based on further concreting the lakeshore. It must respect ecological limits, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and support models that strengthen the local economy, rather than prioritizing short-term profits.

For these reasons, we join the citizens and call on the responsible institutions to:

• To suspend and review the “Pogradec Marina” project and any other high-rise construction project along the lakeshore;
•  To make all project documentation public and accessible to citizens and to respect the UNESCO World Heritage status of Lake Ohrid and the protected area status;
•  To guarantee the preservation of public access to the lakeshore and green spaces and to involve the local community, experts, and civil society in planning and decision-making processes.

We stand alongside the citizens of Pogradec in defense of the lake and public spaces, as shared assets that belong to the entire community.

Developments that damage a natural asset such as Lake Pogradec cannot be justified as progress; true development is that which preserves nature and its benefits for present and future generations, fulfilling not only the legal and international obligation, but also the responsibility toward the communities living near it and the generations who will inherit it. Because some natural assets are irreplaceable, and if we lose them, we lose them forever.